Getting involved

NPWS has an established volunteer program that supports conservation and visitor activities in our parks and reserves across NSW. Volunteers provide invaluable support in bush regeneration, wildlife monitoring, and helping visitors to our parks. Our aim is to make the experience as rewarding as possible for volunteers.

The new supplementary pest control program is an opportunity for the NPWS to work with qualified and experienced ground shooters to support our existing pest management programs in 12 national parks and reserves included in the three year trial.

Through the program NPWS is aiming to build strong and lasting relationships with a team of volunteer shooters who are committed to making a contribution to conservation through control of pest animals.

NPWS is partnering with NSW’s largest shooting organisation, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc, to help with the selection and co-ordination of volunteers.

To be involved in the program volunteers must:

be an existing or new member of SSAA (membership not limited to NSW)

have a current firearms licence

have all the mandatory training requirements (see below)

express interest in joining the program

attend an SPC information day

undergo induction into the program

sign a volunteer agreement to be part of the program.

You can register an interest with the SSAA NSW and details of the upcoming information days will be provided. If you have any other specific questions about the program you can email the Supplementary Pest Control Program.

What level of training will volunteer shooters need?

Volunteer shooters will need to have a high level of skills and training equivalent to that of NPWS staff and contractors. This is to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers. It will also help reassure the community that this is a safe and effective program.

NPWS will also help to organise training for volunteers where necessary.